Fareham is something of an archetype of a traditionally Tory friendly seat: broadly suburban but with a cluster of small, wealthy villages and modest rural enclaves.

Mixed among a heavily service-based economy are pockets of light industry and a smattering of workers for the defence and shipbuilding industries in the twin centres of Portsmouth and Southampton, between which the constituency is situated. The Nautical College at Warsash is an important local feature.

The maritime theme crosses over into the seatís major leisure pursuit: sailing. Concentrated on the river Hamble to the west of the constituency and at Fareham Creek, it is an indication of the affluence of the area. Unemployment rates are some of the lowest in the country, and nearly all of the inhabitants are white.

The constituency includes the smaller villages of Portchester, Warsash, Sarisbury and Locksheath, but it is the eponymous town which forms its centre. Fareham has some interesting historical associations, not least serving as the stopping-off point for Edward III and Henry V before they invaded France.